COVID-19 help for small and local businesses

Detroit is tough and resilient, and we’re making
small business a priority.

Statement on Social Justice, Racial Discrimination, and Hate Crimes

The spirit of Detroit is to promote and fight for the rights of its citizens. This spirit resides in our hearts and therefore we cannot afford to leave anyone in the margins.

Detroit and the region are aligned to leverage opportunities and confront challenges on all levels. Now, we find ourselves in a battle on several fronts – for our economy, for justice and our lives.

As we collaboratively work for solutions for all Detroiters, we are acutely aware of our moral and ethical responsibilities.

Detroit Means Business condemns social injustice, racial discrimination and hate crimes in all forms. Marginalization, social exclusion and economic disparities that advance racist practices and generate a cycle of poverty must be stopped.

The work of DMB team can help raise the tide to drown out bigotry, prejudice and ignorance. We do that by increasing economic and quality educational opportunities for minorities. This is an important step toward creating equal access to wealth and basic privileges afforded to those who work hard. Detroiters deserve access to decision making and influence over how resources are allocated. Providing a path to business ownership, neighborhood stability, inclusive employment and upward mobility is the focus of our work. We are committed to human decency, respect for all, and an economy that invites participation at all levels.

Tailored Toolkits

There are many financial resources available to Detroit businesses, but it's hard to know where to look. The City of Detroit is partnering with financial professionals to help you find the grants, loans, and other financial resources your business needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Relieve Toolkit

We understand the struggle of keeping your business viable during the COVID-19 Crisis. Here are a few links to keep your employees and customers safe, prepare you for the unexpected, and connect you with others in the small business community.

Reopen Toolkit

Are you planning to open but don't feel fully prepared? We are offering resources covering safety and health best practices, financial planning, and management to prepare your business for a post-COVID-19 world.

Reimagine Toolkit

Are you prepared to open but still wondering how to successfully do business in Detroit? Here you'll discover how to open a business in the City of Detroit, obtain City contracts, and profitably manage your business.

Reopening Resources

Get the latest information, tools, strategies, and guidance to help you navigate the many issues related to reopening your business and safely returning to work. These resources focus on what’s next for small businesses as the economy reopens, and includes information on initial testing of employees, conducting daily health screenings, workplace distancing and hygiene protocols, and guidance on the mandatory use of PPE and how to procure it.

Health & Safety

Looking for PPE vendors, official reopening guidance, and training? We’ve got the health and safety resources you need below.

Financial Resources

There are many financial resources available to Detroit businesses, but it’s hard to know where to look. The City of Detroit is partnering with financial professionals to help you find the grants, loans, and other financial resources your business needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering small businesses loans through its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The City of Detroit is providing small business owners with individual personalized support to help them through the SBA application process.

National Resources

When COVID-19 was declared a national disaster, the United States Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) was made available to eligible businesses. Additionally, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress to assist business owners with immediate financial needs precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis.

Expert Guidance

Helpful Webinars

Many of your technical assistance related questions may be answered in accessible and free webinars. We have an extensive collection of past and upcoming webinars on common technical assistance topics from effective social media marketing to rent negotiation.

One-on-one Coaching

TechTown, Detroit at Work, SCORE, the Small Business Development Center and the University of Michigan Center on Finance, Law & Policy are working together to provide businesses free one-on-one coaching in a variety of areas, including Accounting / Finance, Human Resources / Workforce Management, Sales / Marketing, Strategy / Operations, and Legal / Bankruptcy. Fill out the request form to sign up for a free, 25-minute virtual coaching session with an expert.